Greenwich/Woolwich

Greenwich and Woolwich has, like our Indian partner, a military history, raising the challenging issues of defence, acquisition, mutiny and independence. A royal palace in Greenwich has existed since the 1400s; The foundation of a shipyard in Woolwich was first developed by Henry VIII, which initiated the transformation of Woolwich from the small fishing village that it had become by the medieval period.

Here we have been inspired by institutions including the Royal Naval College, Woolwich Arsenal and the Royal Artillery Barracks. The proximity to the river made this a prime location to train soldiers, marines and sailors. The educational establishments of today, universities and schools, fuel young people?s aspirations for our future.

Greenwich Mean Time is the foundation of accurate navigation worldwide. At the National Maritime Museum we were introduced to the histories of the Lascar cooks and seamen and the movement of goods and shipping as well as the military and mutiny themes. Children from Heronsgate School enjoyed smells and images of East India Company merchants in the museum. On the historic clipper Cutty Sark we encountered the character of a Lascar cook encouraging us to head port and starboard, to duck the boom and salute aye aye.

Immigration from the Indian sub-continent to Plumstead and Woolwich has been important in reinvigorating and regenerating the area, economically and culturally. Stories of the Indian community's settlement, have been an inspiration for our scroll. Our walk through Woolwich, including an encounter on top of Gallions Hill with the West Thamesmead Festival, will be a multi-cultural feast of fun.